Staines’ location where the main road from London to the west crossed the River Thames has meant that this Surrey town has always occupied a strategically important position. The Romans who settled here called it Ad Ponte, King Richard erected the London Stone here when he sold the River Thames as far as Staines, and its still an important stop for the annual swan upping ceremony. Staines grew up around an important crossing of the River Thames settled by the Romans. Before meeting King John to sign the Magna Carta at nearby Runnymede, the Barons stayed at Staines. It is now a large market town in Surrey, joined to the village of Laleham which was originally built around its Norman church. On a major coaching route out of London crossing the river at Staines Bridge, numerous hostelries were built in the town for travellers. In the nineteenth century Staines was home to linoleum and it became the town’s dominant industry until the factory ceased production at the end of the 1960s. In 2012 the town changed its name to Staines-upon-Thames and its regenerated centre and role in local business creation has been recognised nationally. With tales of unusual events and tucked away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Staines-upon-Thames and Laleham will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this corner of Surrey. A wander round the town reveals its many secrets, so prepare to be amazed!

Eyam (pronounced Eem), given the Saxon name Eaham, meaning a well-watered hamlet, is a secluded Peak District village hemmed in by green slopes and majestic hills. Within 1/4 mile, the busy world passes by along the A623, yet every year thousands of people head directly to this isolated rural community, tragically famous as the plague village that self-isolated. The year 1665 saw outbreaks of bubonic plague in London and many other cities, towns and villages across England. The incomprehensible terror of the plague, caused by the bite of a rat flea infected by the bacterium Pasteurella pestis, arrived in Eyam in September 1665 and in order to contain the disease, the villagers chose to lock themselves in isolation. This was an act of true altruism by grief-stricken people in a village where every home became a morgue and every resident a mourner. Some 350 years later, as we have encountered a pandemic of gigantic proportions with the Covid-19 crisis, the story of Eyam has inspired Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate, to devote half of his poem 'Lockdown' to the suffering of these people. Secret Eyam: Plague Village, illustrated throughout, expands upon these stories, taking a closer examination of this area's important history.

Queens Cartimandua and Boudica were both Celtic noblewomen, recorded by classical writers as part of a tradition of women who showed particular courage, ambition and political skill, and who were just as formidable in war as their husbands. They took on the status of Celtic goddesses and were central players in the struggle against the Roman annexation of Britain. Boudica led the rebellion against the Romans but her reputation may be largely symbolic. Using historical and archaeological evidence, Celtic Queen uncovers the arguably more impressive story of Queen Cartimandua, the independent ruler of the powerful Brigante tribe whose territory was the single largest Celtic kingdom in Britain. Cartimandua's leadership in battle and political influence were probably much greater than Boudica's. Unlike Boudica, wife of King Prasutagus of the Iceni tribe, Cartimandua was the regent of the Brigante tribe in her own right. Her tribe prospered in the new Imperial world because she cooperated with the invaders and she held her position as queen until AD69. Cartimandua's territory was considerable, covering most of modern Cheshire, South and North Yorkshire, Lancashire, North Humberside, Cumbria, County Durham and Tyne and Wear. But she was seen as a shameless adulteress after an open affair with her husband's armour bearer. Such sexual liberation was normal for powerful Celtic women but it scandalised Roman society. With many references to popular Celtic culture, their gods, beliefs, art and symbolism, as well as living conditions and the hillforts that would have been Cartimandua's headquarters, Celtic Queen offers an insight into the life of this fascinating woman and the Romano/Celtic world in which she lived.

In 1562, Elizabeth I, the last of Henry VIII's children, lay dying of smallpox, and the curse of the Tudor succession again reared its head. The queen was to recover, but the issue remained: if the queen did not produce an heir, who was next in line to succeed? Lady Arbella Stuart was cousin to both the English queen and James VI of Scotland, a woman whose parents' marriage had been orchestrated to provide an heir to the English throne. Raised by her formidable grandmother, Bess of Hardwick, Arbella lived her life in Elizabeth's shadow and, unfortunately, at her mercy. In this book, Jill Armitage revitalises Arbella's tale, focusing on her lineage, her life and her legacy. Through her story we discover a well-born, well-educated woman desperate to control her own fate, but who is ultimately powerless against those in the scheming Tudor court; and the author explores the harsh consequence that comes from being on the wrong side of the revenge of a jealous, calculating queen.

The Peak District of Derbyshire is said to experience more bizarre happenings and unexplainable encounters than any other part of England. This chilling collection of true-life tales details many terrifying accounts of spectres and apparitions which have been documented over the years. Ranging from private residences and graveyards to public houses, tourist attractions, theatres and museums, this book includes many pulse-raising narratives that are guaranteed to make your blood run cold. Containing over sixty illustrations, Haunted Peak District will appeal to everyone with an interest in the supernatural history of this part of Derbyshire.

This title presents around 160 illustrated anecdotes about ghost animals and communication with pets who have died. It is intended for animal lovers and those interested in the paranormal.

Drawing on contemporary and historical sources, Haunted Derbyshire contains many creepy accounts of spirits, spectres and poltergeists - including the Mad Monk of North Wingfield, the crying angel of Etwell and the headless ghost of Wenley Hill. It also features some of Derbyshire's best-known characters, including Florence Nightingale and George Stephenson, the Railway King. If you have ever wondered why the Chesterfield Canal veered from its straight course, why horses shy at crossroads, empty theatre seats move or miners leave shoes in mines, Haunted Derbyshire will give you the chilling answers.